Introduction to Philippians

In Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, his writing overflows with joy and thankfulness, even though he is writing from prison. Unlike his interaction with other churches, Paul had very little to correct in the Philippian congregation. He was encouraged by the believers’ concern for him and their faithfulness in living out the gospel. Paul teaches that the joy of the gospel should rule our lives, regardless of circumstances.

Background

The opening verse identifies Paul and Timothy as the authors. Paul planted the church in Philippi (in modern-day northeastern Greece) on his second missionary journey, around ad 50 (Acts 16:12). Years later, Paul writes to these Christians from prison (Phil 1:12–14; 4:22)—probably in Rome (early 60s ad), or perhaps in Caesarea (circa ad 58–59) or Ephesus (circa ad 52–55). While there is no record of Paul being imprisoned in Ephesus, he did encounter serious conflict there during his third missionary journey and could have been imprisoned there (Acts 19; compare 2 Cor 11:23).

Paul had a close relationship with the Philippian congregation. In the letter’s opening, Paul doesn’t need to declare his apostleship, as he often does when there is a conflict or doubts about his authority (Phil 1:1; compare 2 Cor 1:1; Gal 1:1; 1 Tim 1:1). The Philippians had supported Paul financially even when he was not in Philippi (Phil 4:15–16; compare 2 Cor 8:1–4; 11:9), and it appears that they recently had sent Epaphroditus to deliver gifts to Paul in prison (Phil 2:25; 4:18). However, Epaphroditus became sick during the journey (2:30), and Paul writes to tell the Philippians that their friend is recovering. He also thanks the believers for their ongoing support and gives an update on his situation.

Philippi had a strongly Roman character. Before Paul’s time, during the first century bc, Philippi had become a Roman colony, and many of the empire’s retired soldiers settled there. The importance of Roman citizenship—deeply valued by those who had it and coveted by those who did not—might be why Paul emphasizes that Christians are citizens of heaven (3:20). In contrast to Roman citizens, who by law could not be crucified, Paul urges the Philippians to imitate the humility and obedience of Christ, who willingly died on a cross (2:5–8).

Structure

Paul opens Philippians like many of his other letters—with a greeting (1:1–2), a thanksgiving (1:3–8), and a prayer (1:9–11). Then he reports about his circumstances (1:12–26), telling the believers not to worry about him. Even though he is in prison, he sees it as an opportunity to give thanks. In the next major section (1:27–2:30), Paul instructs the Philippians to remain united and humble. In a short hymn-like section, Paul praises the humility shown by Jesus (2:5–11). Timothy and Epaphroditus also reflect humble service to the gospel (2:19–30).

In the next section (3:1–21), Paul warns against false teachers who apparently were telling the believers to seek righteousness through Jewish practices, like circumcision. Paul tells the Philippians that he went this route in his earlier days, and he knows it doesn’t work—it actually hindered him from knowing Christ. The closing section begins by addressing a specific situation: Two women in the church seem to be feuding, and Paul wants them to reconcile (4:1–3). He urges the Philippians to rejoice in faith (4:4–9), and he thanks them for their generous gifts (4:10–20). The letter ends with a final greeting and benediction (4:21–23).

Outline

• Introduction and Paul’s report (1:1–26)

• Call to unity (1:27–2:30)

• Warnings against false teachers (3:1–21)

• Further instructions and thanksgiving (4:1–23)

Themes

Philippians is about remaining steadfast in the faith and joy of the gospel. This is clear from Paul’s own response to his hardships: His imprisonment could have led him to despair, but instead he chose to give thanks, to be content, and to rely on God’s strength (1:12–19; 4:10–13). Paul advises the Philippians to take this same approach, urging them to stand firm together for the gospel (1:27–28).

Throughout the letter, Paul uses personal examples—Christ, Timothy, Epaphroditus, and himself—to show that faithfulness involves humility and often suffering. In several places, he encourages believers to be of one purpose (2:2; 3:15; 4:2)—serving Christ, who Himself provides the pattern to live by (2:5–8). Humbling ourselves enables us to find unity with fellow believers in Christ, to stand together in the midst of suffering, and to rejoice no matter the circumstances. Even when we are afflicted, God’s power—the same power that resurrected Jesus from the dead (3:10–11)—is at work in us, transforming us (3:12–21). And there is nothing more valuable than Jesus (3:8–9).

Further Reading

Paul the Apostle CLBD

Philippi CLBD